A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mexico City vs. Moab for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Mexico City or Moab?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Mexico City or Moab? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a diverse, vibrant, and dynamic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and hiking.

Mexico City and Moab: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Moab?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Moab, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mexico City is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Moab is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Moab is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moab and Mexico City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mexico City or Moab?

Mexico City is very popular for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Mexico City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.

Is the Food Better in Mexico City or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mexico City is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Mexico City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Moab. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

Is Mexico City or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is very popular for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Mexico City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Most people don't head to Moab specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

Is Mexico City or Moab Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Moab does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City is a good destination for visiting its old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Moab does not have a historic old town.

Is Mexico City or Moab Better for Hiking?

Moab is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

People visit Moab specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Moab?

Mexico City is very popular for shopping. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Mexico City. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Moab offers some nice shopping areas. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Is Mexico City or Moab Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Moab.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mexico City. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Moab is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

Is Mexico City or Moab Better for Couples?

Moab is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Moab makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Mexico City or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City and Moab are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Moab. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

Is Mexico City or Moab Better for Students?

Mexico City is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

Mexico City is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Moab is not popular with students.

Is Mexico City or Moab Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mexico City is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors to Mexico City can move around easily with public transportation. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

Is Mexico City or Moab a more walkable city?

Mexico City and Moab are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Mexico City is generally not a very walkable city. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

Moab is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Mexico City Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Moab?

In either Mexico City or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mexico City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mexico City than Moab. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Moab. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Mexico City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Mexico City than Moab. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mexico City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Moab if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Mexico City.

One day in Mexico City or Moab?

Mexico City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous town of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mexico City or Moab?

Mexico City is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the scenic destination of Moab. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mexico City or Moab?

Mexico City is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of Moab. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mexico City or Moab?

The diverse city of Mexico City offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Many people enjoy the shopping and food when visiting Moab. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Moab, we can see that Moab is more expensive. And not only is Mexico City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mexico City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mexico City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Moab would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moab than you might in Mexico City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mexico City Expensive? and Is Moab Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Moab?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 2310 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Moab, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.